As early as the summer of 2023, Karim Benzema chose to end his successful career at Real Madrid and join the Etihad. He has spent the past two and a half years with the Saudi Professional League club but it is now time for him to move on.
Benzema has hinted at a return to Real Madrid in the past, but his contract expires at the end of the season and talks to extend his stay at the Etihad have been ongoing in recent weeks. However, those talks did not go well and the experienced striker was very unhappy with the offers on the table.
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As a result, he has made the decision to leave, according to Diario AS. He is doing this now to allow Al-Ittihad to save the last few months of salary, and in the next few hours he is expected to join another Saudi Professional League club: Al Hilal.
Picture from European Press
Al Hilal is set to part ways with Marcos Leonardo, who has agreed to join Atletico Madrid on loan for the remainder of the season, with his successor set to be Benzema. Negotiations between the player and club are said to be at an advanced stage and an agreement is expected to be reached soon.
Contract length can determine likely retirement date
Benzema’s record at the Etihad has been impressive, scoring 57 goals in 87 games, but it is now time for him to move on. It is unclear how long his contract with Al Hilal will be, but given that he is 38 years old, it is unlikely to last longer than 18 months as the former France international’s retirement may be imminent.
It remains to be seen how Benzema performs at Al Hilal, but if he can stay fit he should be an excellent signing.